links for 2009-02-20

Former President Bill Clinton gives President Barack Obama an "A" grade for his first month in office, but tells ABC News that Obama needs to put on a more positive face when speaking to the American people about the economy and must keep pressure on Republicans who try to obstruct his plans.

The New York Times and Washington lobbyist Vicki Iseman have settled her defamation lawsuit in which she claimed that the newspaper had falsely suggested she had engaged in a romantic and unethical relationship with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. On its Web site today, the Times issued a brief "Note to Readers'' explaining that its story, published a year ago this month, did not "intend to conclude'' that Iseman had engaged in an affair with McCain, or had acted unethically on behalf of her clients.

Although a spokesman for President Barack Obama said the administration wouldn’t pursue the revival of the Fairness Doctrine, Republican Sen. Jim DeMint, S.C., wants Senate Democrats to go on the record one way or another on the issue.

DeMint, chairman of the Senate Steering Committee, said on Feb. 19 he will offer the Broadcaster Freedom Act as an amendment to the D.C. Voting Rights bill next week. The Broadcaster Freedom Act was introduced by Republican lawmakers last month and prevents the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine.

We're No. 1 — only more so.

The budget deal the Legislature reached today will keep California's top personal income tax rate and sales tax rate the highest in the Union.

The deal will raise personal income tax rates by 0.25 of a percentage point across the board. The highest rate, on taxable income of more than $1 million, will rise to 10.55% from 10.3%.

The next-highest tax rate, on taxable income of more than $94,110 for a married couple filing jointly, will rise to 9.55% from 9.3%. For singles, the threshold for the new 9.55% tax rate is $47,055.
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Such an honor….

After the longest continuous floor session in California history (45-plus hours), the state Senate is taking a long weekend.

Hours after the $40 billion-plus budget package passed this morning, Greg Schmidt, secretary of the Senate, sent out a notice to lawmakers' offices that read:

"In consideration of the fact that the Senate closed its protracted budget session at 6:30 a.m. this morning, the President Pro Tem has announced today, February 19th, and tomorrow, February 20th, will be Senate holidays. Capitol offices will be closed. Schedules for the District Offices are subject to the discretion of each Senator."

The Senate met continuously from Tuesday morning through Thursday morning. There was another all-night session from last Saturday evening through Sunday.

Flying on Air Force One with America’s new first family feels much like popping over for pizza.

Natural, casual, warm.

What did I once write of the president and Michelle? Mr. Principal and Mrs. Math Teacher? Well. We’re all different things on different days in different settings. On this day—last Friday—the Obamas were attentive and gracious to five columnists invited to travel with them from Washington to Chicago, where the first family was spending the long weekend. (The others were Clarence Page, Ron Brownstein, E.J. Dionne and Bob Herbert.)

It's almost done.

State senators were approving a deal to close the state's $40 billion budget deficit this morning after agreeing to give Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, most of the changes he demanded in exchange for providing the crucial 27th vote.

Here's what he got:

* A constitutional amendment establishing an open primary system.
The measure will place on the June 2010 ballot an open primary proposal affecting congressional and state races in 2012 and beyond.

Under the plan, the top two candidates in a primary would face off in a general election. Candidates would not participate in partisan primaries, but they would be able to retain their party labels on the ballot.

Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, said he's ready to vote for the budget after scoring major concessions from legislative leaders as part of a plan to bridge a $40 billion deficit. The only remaining question is whether two-thirds of both houses will provide enough votes to give Maldonado what he wants.

As part of Maldonado's negotiated package, lawmakers will place on the June 2010 ballot an open primary proposal intended to favor more candidates such as him. The proposal would impact congressional and state races in 2012 and beyond. Under the plan, the top two candidates in a primary would face off in a general election. Candidates would not participate in partisan primaries, but they would be able to retain their party labels on the ballot.

Maldonado will be termed out of the state Senate in 2012. He is rumored to be considering a run for state controller in 2010, though he said he has not yet decided his political plans.